Portraits of winemakers

VIGNOBLES NICOLAS THEREZ: TOP-OF-THE-RANGE ORGANIC SPARKLING WINES

From Cooperative Cellar to Independent Vineyard: The Journey of Vignobles Nicolas Therez

A family-owned vineyard for three generations, the Vignobles Nicolas Therez was taken over by Nicolas and Amandine in 2008. At that time, the estate’s wines were all produced in a cooperative cellar. However, this young winemaking couple envisioned something different and decided to produce their own wines.

Transition from Cooperative Production to Own Domain

Moving from cooperative production to owning their own vineyard was no easy feat. Fortunately, Amandine and Nicolas were able to start their venture thanks to the support of a neighboring estate that rented them the necessary winemaking equipment, which represents the most significant expense in such an endeavor. They also sought guidance from an oenologist and sommeliers who helped them navigate their initial steps.

Over the years, the winemaking couple has built their clientele by participating in wine fairs across France and Europe. They have also established their reputation through their environmental commitment. Vignobles Nicolas Therez has been cultivating all their vines organically for nearly a decade.

Effervescent Wines Aged from 9 to 24 Months

Today, Vignobles Nicolas Therez spans 35 hectares of vines. Only a small portion of their production is bottled (with the remainder sold as fresh harvest), amounting to 10,000 bottles per year.

The estate’s range consists of four organic effervescent cuvées: “Nature Tradition” in AOC Blanquette de Limoux Brut, “Nature Tendre” in AOC Blanquette de Limoux Méthode Ancestrale, “Nature Trésor” in AOC Crémant de Limoux Blanc, and “Nature Tendance” in AOC Crémant de Limoux Rosé.

“We seek the best raw materials to produce high-quality wine. We meticulously select the juice, parcels, and fine grapes, adding very little sulfur to our cuvées. We also favor aging. The longer the wine ages, the finer the bubbles and the more complex the aromas,” explains Amandine.

All wines from Vignobles Nicolas Therez benefit from aging periods ranging from 9 to 24 months. These durations far exceed the minimum required by the sparkling wine appellation specifications of the region, which range from 6 months (AOC Méthode Ancestrale) to 9 months (Blanquette de Limoux and Crémant).

Vignobles Nicolas Therez: Four Cuvées for a Wide Range of Food Pairings

Freshness, elegance, and modernity define the range of wines from Vignobles Nicolas Therez, both in terms of taste and bottle packaging. However, what truly sets these wines apart, in addition to their long aging and organic label, is their potential for food pairing.

Sweet and fruity, the cuvée “Nature Tendre” retains the natural sugars of the grape. Low in alcohol and highly aromatic, it pairs perfectly with foie gras and sweet-savory combinations, as well as desserts with dark chocolate. The “Nature Tradition” cuvée, with its fresh mouthfeel and iodized aromas, is ideal for aperitifs or seafood.

The “Nature Trésor” cuvée is the only gastronomic wine in the range: aged for 24 months, it pairs perfectly with salmon, red mullet, or even poultry. The rosé Crémant is a versatile choice for a summer meal.

Future Oenotourism Projects

Given the region’s tourist appeal, Vignobles Nicolas Therez, which has recently undertaken significant renovation work, is keen to leverage this potential to develop its oenotourism activities in the coming years.

“We plan to open a reception hall at the estate for weddings. We are also considering opening a tasting room and organizing tours to discover the gems of our region. And perhaps themed evenings too!” Amandine enthusiastically shares.

The estate also plans to expand its wine range with three new cuvées: a dry white wine made from Chardonnay, an effervescent wine dominated by Pinot Noir expected to debut early next year, and a premium Crémant aged in barrels scheduled for release at the end of summer 2018. Stay tuned for these exciting new additions on Avenue des Vins…